Direct Care Worker (DCW)
Salary

For Direct Care Workers, hourly average wages total $9.89 per hour. Pay generally varies between $8.01 per hour and $13.23. Location is the biggest factor affecting pay for this group, followed by years of experience. Although around half lack health benefits of any kind, just over two-fifths do enjoy medical insurance, and over a third get dental coverage, too. Most Direct Care Workers are fairly content with their jobs, and work satisfaction falls in line with the national average. The information for this rundown comes from respondents who completed PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Direct care workers (DCWs) provide hands-on, generally long term for patients; these patients may include older adults, patients with chronic diseases, and others who require regular direct care. the elderly, disease patients, and other chronic conditions. Direct care workers can generally be divided into two main categories: those that provide home-based care in clients' homes, and those that provide community-based care in organizations such as assisted living facilities. These professionals perform a number of duties in their day-to-day work, such as wrapping bandages on patients, administering IVs, administering medication, and assisting with cleaning when the patient is unable. In all tasks, direct care workers must maintain patient confidentiality and follow all organizational rules.

Educational requirements for direct care worker positions vary depending on the position and the needs of the employer. Some employers require these employees hold a high school diploma or equivalent; others require at least a postsecondary degree such as a bachelor's degree. Physical requirements for this position include potential exposure to harmful illnesses from patients; direct care workers must also be able to physically provide care to patients and assist them as necessary. Direct care workers must be able to work well independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team setting.

Direct Care Worker (DCW) Tasks

Check patients' pulse, temperature and respiration.

Provide patients with help moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs or automobiles, and with dressing and grooming.

Maintain records of patient care, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager.

Common Career Paths for Direct Care Worker (DCW)

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Though not the most common occurrence, Direct Care Workers sometimes become Non-Profit Program Managers, where the average income is $43K per year. Direct Care Workers moving up in their careers tend to step into positions as Certified Nurse Assistants or Social Services Case Managers. The median paychecks in those roles are $1K higher and $10K higher, respectively.

Pay by Experience Level for Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Experience does not seem to be a strong driver of pay increase in this role. The median compensation for relatively untried workers is $21K; in the five-to-10 year group, it's higher at around $22K. Direct Care Workers claiming one to two decades of experience make an estimated median of $23K. Individuals who have achieved more than 20 years of experience don't seem to earn any more than people who have 10 to 20 years under their belts.

Direct Care Worker (DCW) Reviews

What is it like working as a Direct Care Worker (DCW)?

Direct Care Worker (DCW) in Detroit:

"Health Care Business."

Pros: Be there to support the clients on their up and down days because they really depend on someone caring and being considerate to their everyday problems and issues.